Even though head coach Dave Canales emphasized a dual-back approach with Chuba Hubbard, Rico Dowdle clearly emerged as Carolina’s top running back in 2025, accumulating 1,076 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 236 carries. Dowdle is slated to become a free agent in 2026. While Chuba Hubbard remains under his rookie contract, the Panthers would benefit greatly from finding a replacement for Dowdle and enhancing their 19th-ranked rushing offense, particularly with a crucial season ahead for quarterback Bryce Young. This pressing need, combined with Canales’ prior connection to Walker, brings Walker into consideration. Canales previously coached Walker as the quarterbacks coach on Pete Carroll’s Seattle staff in 2022, Walker’s inaugural NFL season. Furthermore, Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik was also part of the Seattle organization in 2022 as an assistant receivers coach, prior to joining Canales in Tampa Bay and then Carolina. In the expansive yet interconnected world of professional football, familiarity frequently fosters new collaborations. With slightly more than $9 million in available cap space, the Panthers will need to create additional financial flexibility to facilitate multiple roster acquisitions, particularly considering Walker’s next contract is anticipated to be around $9 million annually. Nevertheless, this potential pairing appears logical, especially given Canales’ preference for a two-back system.